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The European Union’s CSRD has direct or indirect implications for a number of Swiss companies. Since the 2026 Omnibus Revision, the direct legal obligation now applies only to a limited number of large companies—but many Swiss SMEs remain indirectly affected, particularly when they supply European customers or large Swiss conglomerates. Anticipating these expectations will not only enable you to respond to your clients’ requests when the time comes, but also to take advantage of the opportunities offered by managing your business more sustainably.
What is the CSRD, and why is it important?
The CSRD is a European directive aimed at harmonizing and strengthening sustainability reporting requirements for companies. It replaces the current Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD). Revised by the “Omnibus I” package, which took effect on March 18, 2026, it now applies to a significantly narrower scope of companies than originally intended, while maintaining the goal of improving the transparency and comparability of ESG information published by companies.
For Swiss companies, the significance of the CSRD lies in its potential impact on their operations, particularly for those with business ties to the EU or to major Swiss corporations. Although Switzerland is not directly subject to this directive, on April 1, 2026, the Federal Council launched a consultation on a new federal law on sustainable corporate governance, which aims to align Swiss law with the revised CSRD in order to maintain the competitiveness of Swiss companies and facilitate their access to the European market.
Scope of the CSRD for Swiss Companies
The Swiss bill is not yet final: the public comment period, which began on April 1, 2026, ended on July 9, 2026, and the Federal Council must submit its report to Parliament no later than November 27, 2026. Based on the draft bill submitted for consultation, here is the proposed scope of application:
- Companies with more than 1,000 full-time employees
- Annual revenue exceeding 450 million francs
These thresholds, aligned with the CSRD as revised by the European Omnibus Directive, are significantly higher than those in an earlier version of the draft (2024), which had set the threshold at approximately 250 employees. It is now estimated that only about 100 large Swiss companies would be directly affected—meaning that the vast majority of Swiss SMEs will not fall under the direct scope of this future law, although many will remain indirectly affected as suppliers.
Key Reporting Areas Under the CSRD
The CSRD requires companies to provide detailed information on four main areas:
Environmental issues :
You’ll have to account for your impact on climatebiodiversity, resource use and the circular economy. Particular emphasis will be placed on your efforts to achieve the goal of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in accordance with the Federal Law on Climate Protection Objectives (LCl).
Social and personnel issues :
This section includes information on working conditions, social dialogue, diversity and inclusion. In particular, you’ll need to address equal opportunities, ongoing training and occupational health and safety, based on the relevant International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions.
Human rights :
You will be required to describe your policies and procedures for identifying, preventing and mitigating human rights risks in your operations and supply chain. This section will draw on international conventions ratified by Switzerland, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Governance and the fight against corruption :
You’ll need to detail your governance structure, remuneration policies and anti-corruption measures. This will include information on the composition and role of the Board of Directors in managing sustainability issues.
Key Steps to Prepare for the CSRD
To effectively prepare for the implementation of the CSRD, here are the key steps to follow:
- Current state assessment: Start by carrying out a comprehensive diagnosis of your current sustainability practices. Use tools such as the EcoEntreprise self-assessment or the B Impact Assessment to get a clear picture of your situation.
- Identifying Gaps: Compare your current practices with the CSRD requirements to identify areas that need improvement. Pay particular attention to aspects that are not covered in your current reports.
- Implement a sustainability strategy: Develop a global strategy aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Integrate this strategy into your business model and decision-making processes.
- Data collection and analysis: Set up robust systems to collect and analyze relevant ESG data. This may include using specialized software or training your staff in new data collection methods.
- Stakeholder engagement : Involve your employees, suppliers and customers in your sustainability approach. Their participation will be crucial to obtaining reliable data and implementing meaningful change.
Choice of reporting standards and verification
The Swiss bill proposes to give affected companies the choice between applying the EU’s reporting standards (European Sustainability Reporting Standards, ESRS) or other equivalent standards. The Federal Council will designate these equivalent standards, which could include those of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or theInternational Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
With regard to verification, sustainability reports should be audited by a licensed auditing firm or a conformity assessment body. For public-interest entities (such as publicly traded companies), the audit should be conducted by an audit firm subject to government oversight. For other affected companies, a certified auditor should suffice. These provisions remain to be confirmed in the final text of the law.
Advantages of anticipation for Swiss SMEs
Preparing for the implementation of the CSRD offers several advantages for Swiss SMEs:
- Improved competitiveness: By adopting sustainable practices, you’ll stand out in the market and meet the growing expectations of customers and business partners.
- Attracting investors and talent: A strong commitment to sustainability can attract responsible investors and talented employees keen to work for companies aligned with their values.
- Risk reduction: Proactive management of ESG issues will help you anticipate and mitigate regulatory, reputational and operational risks.
- Innovation and efficiency: Implementing sustainable practices can stimulate innovation and lead to greater operational efficiency, reducing your costs in the long term.
To conclude
The introduction of the CSRD in Switzerland represents a significant change, even though its direct legal scope has narrowed considerably since the initial announcements: only about 100 large Swiss companies are expected to be affected by the future law. For most SMEs, the challenge is now less about an imminent legal requirement and more about growing expectations from their customers and partners regarding ESG transparency.
To help you through this transition, a wide range of resources is available. Don’t hesitate to seek the help of experts to guide you through this process, whether it is required by law or driven by your customers’ expectations.
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